UPDATE 2: Interstate-70 between Salina and Ellsworth has been reopened.
The stretch of the highway had been closed for approximately 90 minutes on Tuesday due to vehicles blocking the roadways in the wintry weather.
Kansas Highway Patrol officials warn motorists to continue to use caution with the slick roadways.
I-70 is open and traffic is flowing again on I-70 west of Salina.
Please use caution.
Please #BuckleUp #KSwx— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) February 25, 2020
UPDATE 1: Unexpected, heavy snow has caused numerous issues–and an apparent death–in the central part of Kansas on Tuesday morning. That has caused Interstate-70 to close at Salina, westbound.
Due to numerous crashes and cars blocking the roadways, I-70 has been closed at Salina to the Ellsworth area, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Travelers will need to find an alternative route.
Also, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a multi-vehicle fatality crash occurred south of the community of Lindsborg on 14th Ave. More details will emerge from that wreck.
The National Weather Service in Wichita has reported heavy snow of up to 12 inches in Sylvan Grove, which is located in Lincoln County. That snow fell all within the span of two hours on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, snowy, slick roads caused numerous slide offs and wrecks on Interstate-135 near the Saline/McPherson County line. The Kansas Highway Patrol recommends travelers to delay their travels if possible this morning to allow road crews to clear the roads.
The National Weather Service has also issued an update on anticipated snowfall amounts for Central Kansas.
KSAL News will have more updates to follow.
Here is a video of the snow quickly piling up on roads associated with that heavy band of snow in central KS. Hazardous travel conditions expected #kswx https://t.co/bxu83XyukA
— NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) February 25, 2020
Snow update 9inches @NWSWichita @KWCHRoss pic.twitter.com/vfZZacKEck
— Damon Vonada (@vonada_damon) February 25, 2020
Multiple Troopers are investigating a multi-vehicle fatal crash south of Lindsborg on 14th ave.
14th ave is closed in the area.
Death notification has been completed.#KSwx
— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) February 25, 2020
Stay whether aware! #KSwx pic.twitter.com/7CPzryZhZ4
— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) February 25, 2020
ALERT: I-70 Closed at Salina due to crashes blocking the roadway.
Please find alternate route, check https://t.co/v8Z4HYpYdL for updated road conditions. #SlowDown #BuckleUp #DriveAlert #KSwx pic.twitter.com/i9sd4ioGDY
— NCKansasKDOT (@NCKansasKDOT) February 25, 2020
ORIGINAL: Another round of winter weather is expected to impact much of the state on Tuesday, including central Kansas.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Saline, Ellsworth, Lincoln and McPherson counties until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The National Weather Service in Wichita says that rain will impact the area before changing to snow early on Tuesday. Snow will last until the early evening hours.
One to two inches of snow can be expected along Interstate-70 by afternoon Tuesday. The National Weather Service warns that while accumulation on roadways may be minimal, be cautious because untreated bridges and overpasses may become slick on Tuesday.
Strong winds gusting between 35 and 40 mph will also influence the region on Tuesday.
